Capital High School The Culminating Project

WHAT IS THE CULMINATING PROJECT? New WA State graduation requirement Begins with the class of 2008 Self-directed project of your choice Designed to give students a chance to demonstrate they have the skills necessary to succeed after high school graduation

Why Require a Culminating Project? This new WA State requirement from WAC reads as follows: –“Each student shall complete a culminating project for graduation.” –“The project consists of students demonstrating both their learning competencies and preparations related to learning goals three and four.”

Adapted from WAC Goal 3) “To think analytically, logically, and creatively; to integrate experience and knowledge; to form reasoned judgments in order to solve problems;” Goal 4) “To understand the importance of work and how performance, effort, and decisions directly affect future career and educational opportunities.”

WHEN CAN I DO THE CULMINATING PROJECT? Students complete the culminating project during their senior year. Students who wish to begin earlier can make an appointment to see the CP Coordinator after January 2, 2007: Dawn Cope Room I-3

HOW WILL I COMPLETE THE CULMINATING PROJECT? You will be assigned a “CP Supervisor” this spring. During the school year, you will meet regularly with your CP supervisor. – check progress –turn in paperwork –seek advice –have your project evaluated

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DO NOT COMPLETE THIS PROJECT? All components must be completed by the June deadline to graduate. It is the student’s responsibility to: – monitor progress – attend meetings with the CP Supervisor –complete work according to assigned deadlines Students have opportunities to repeat the process or re-do those components of their project that fail to meet standard.

WHAT IF I HAVE AN I.E.P. OR 504 PLAN? Depending on your IEP, or 504 plan, your project will be tailored to accommodate your abilities. You will work with your case manager to set up appropriate modifications of project expectations on a case-by-case basis. Your CP Supervisor will have a copy of these modifications.

Components And Specific Requirements Each culminating project will consist of six components: 1.Proposal 2.Annotated Bibliography 3.Reflective Journal 4.Product/End Result 5.Culminating Project Write-Up 6.Presentation

Component 1: Project Proposal The proposal is a written description of: –what your project will be –what you hope to learn –how you will acquire the necessary skills or knowledge –how you will know the project was successful Students are highly encouraged to select a project that has a high degree of personal interest. It will include a timeline/action plan showing that the project will be manageable in the time allotted. You may choose to work with a field expert. Project approval from Parents/guardians and CP Supervisors is required.

EXAMPLES OF SUCCESSFUL PROJECTS AND PRODUCTS –Create an art portfolio for art school, including an in- depth study of your favorite style: (e.g., surrealism) –Tutor elementary children in reading and study their progress –Coach a youth soccer team and complete a study in youth and motivation –Read the major works of Jane Austen and write a research paper on her influence on English literature –Study the Palestinian Arab-Israeli conflict and write a research paper on barriers to peace

Prohibited Project Activities The following activities will not be approved for Culminating Projects due to safety concerns. –Air or flight activities: –Motorized races and contests –Activities involving watercraft over 26 feet in length –White water rafting and jet skis –Water activities –Amusement Park Activities –Animal Activities –Athletics not WIAA approved –Weapons (and weapon-related) Activities –Activities not permitted under labor laws governing minors, tattoos/body piercing, human experimentation –If your selected topic puts you in a gray area, you need to discuss your project with the CP Coordinator and file a permission request with the district risk management team. The district’s decision regarding the safety of any project will be considered final and a student denied permission would need to choose a different topic.

Component 2: Annotated Bibliography APA or MLA format Each source will be followed by a brief annotation describing the type and usefulness of material A minimum of five (5) sources of information form at least three (3) different media –Books, magazines, interviews, song lyrics, movies, internet, etc.

Component 3: Reflective Journal Every project activity will be logged into a journal. Each entry will include the date, time spent on the project, a brief description of the activity, and a brief reflection on what was learned from the activity. The journal will document a minimum of 30 hours of CP activity. Journals will be reviewed at regular intervals. The last entry must reflect on the presentation process and will be completed directly after the presentation.

Component 4: Product/End Result The project should result in something that you create. Be as creative as you can and make this product something that will be personally meaningful to you. The product can take many forms: –something that is built –a scientific experiment –a research paper –a performance –an event you organize –a class you teach

Component 5: Culminating Project Write-up This will be a 300 to 500 word paper that: –summarizes the process –explains what was learned –describes what was unexpected –describes what job skills were necessary for the project –describes your overall impressions of the experience

Component 6: Presentation Final opportunity for the student to demonstrate successful, self-directed learning and readiness to graduate 20 minute formal presentation The student should be prepared for questions from the panel which may include teachers, school staff, parents/guardians, and community members. Requirements: –Introduce yourself and the project –Briefly describe the major research –Share your product/end result with the panel –Brief conclusion about significant lessons learned and how you will use this knowledge in the future If a student is planning to use technology in the presentation, arrangements must be made with the AV Coordinator. Presentations will occur during WASL weeks in March and April.

This Year Student Seminars-November, February, and April Parent Information Night –February or March CP Supervisors will be assigned in early spring

Next Year Students will meet regularly (advisories) with their faculty CP Supervisor to check progress, turn in paperwork, seek advice and have their project evaluated. Student Meetings will be held that target and “teach” specific project components.

Vital Dates A list will be created each term with major due dates to help you stay on track with your project. 1.Proposal: October 2.Annotated Bibliography: Early February 3.Reflective Journal: checked late November, mid January, day of presentation 4.Product: Due 4 weeks prior to presentation 5.Write up: Due 4 weeks prior to presentation 6.Presentation Scheduled for March WASL or April WASL

Visit the CHS Website Updates Guide to the Culminating Project This Presentation